Thousands fleeing Raqqa offensive in northern Syria – IRC responding with health care and cash

New York, NY, December 1, 2016 — The International Rescue Committee is providing emergency cash and health care to thousands of Syrians who have fled their homes since military operations began on November 9 to retake Raqqa city from ISIS.

The IRC estimates that around 16,700 people have been displaced from the Al Hazimeh area of northern Syria so far, with many walking around 50 km (31 miles) north to reach safety. An IRC assessment of more than a dozen locations in central Raqqa governate found nearly a third of those displaced are currently living in abandoned buildings, while a fifth are sleeping in their vehicles or even out in fields. They are also struggling to cope with freezing night temperatures as well as lack of toilet facilities and running water. 

With no local health centre, an IRC’s mobile health team is responding and has already provided 1,350 consultations, primarily treating skin diseases, diarrhea and urinary tract infections. Following their displacement, those with chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure, face a greater risk of health complications.

While sanitary towels and diapers can be bought locally, families are prioritizing spending money on food, which is depleting their savings. To help them cope with their financial difficulties and pay for essential items, the IRC is distributing $70 of emergency cash to more than 1,000 families.

IRC teams also found that most displaced families have no choice but to walk more than a mile each day to draw water from wells. For privacy reasons, many women and girls use washrooms at night-time, which can be a cause of stress as well as leave them more vulnerable to potential violence.